Song of the Sea Parent Guide

The siren music of the selkies is calling.

Based on the Irish/Scottish legends of the selkies (people who magically transform into seals), this animation tells the tale of Saoirse (voice of Lucy O'Connell), a young girl of that mythical race sent to free others of her kind.

Parent Movie Reviewby Bethany Gustafson

Ten-year-old Ben (voiced by David Rawle,) lives with his family on a small island off the Irish coast. The rocky shore and friendly seals may seem magical to Ben’s younger sister Saoirse (voiced by Lucy O’Connell), however to him the ocean is a frightening place. He’s been wary of the water ever since the mysterious disappearance of his mother on the night of Saoirse’s birth. And to make matters worse, his father (voiced by Brendan Gleeson), preoccupied with his own loneliness, dotes on Saoirse but barely notices his troubled son. Feeling increasingly resentful of his sister’s attention, Ben is left with only his loyal sheepdog Cú to confide in.

Then, on Saoirse’s sixth birthday, everything changes. After a swim in the forbidden sea, the little girl discovers she is a selkie—one of those mythical creatures that appear human but can transform into a seal. Tales of these magical beings were often featured in their mother’s bedtime stories. Still, Ben finds it hard to believe his small sister, who has never even learned to talk, is anything special.

By this time Saoirse’s strange behavior has attracted the criticism of the children’s meddlesome Granny (voiced by Fionnula Flanagan). Even though she is unaware of the wee one’s secret, Granny is sure the kids would be better off living with her, rather than staying with their depressed father on the isolated island. Cutting short Saoirse’s underwater explorations, Granny takes action and packs both youngsters onto the ferry headed for the mainland. The move is devastating for Ben, especially because he is forced to leave his father and pet dog behind.

It only takes one afternoon in the confines of the big city before Ben decides to make his own way home. Using a hand drawn map, and equipped with a heroic looking cape, he sets out. Yet Saoirse refuses to let him leave without her. It soon becomes apparent that wherever the little girl goes, magic follows. After the pair runs into three comical, interfering fairies, Ben finally concedes all the supernatural characters in their mother’s stories are real, and his sister is somehow part of a magical world where she is destined to make a big difference.

When Macha the witch (also voiced by Fionnula Flanagan) and her owl minions get involved in keeping Saoirse from fulfilling her destiny, Ben realizes that getting home is less of a priority than keeping the tiny tot safe. Rising to the occasion, he puts aside his personal hurt as he comforts and protects his sibling and determines to help her fulfill her quest.

This adventure story is a work of art from start to finish. Abstract environments, vivid colors, and haunting music set it apart from the ordinary fairytale fare. These, plus the creatures that inhabit the screen, give the production a distinctly Irish flavor. The selkies, fairies, and giants reference ancient stories of the Emerald Isle too.

Unfortunately, viewers without some understanding of the cultural context may find these elements bizarre and frightening. Even the human characters differ from their American counterparts. Young Ben sometimes voices his frustrations with very Irish cuss words, and his father tries to escape his grief in the local pub. The ferry driver smokes a pipe, and Granny keeps a proper Catholic home, with religious images covering the walls. While these details give the story a sense of realism often absent from other children’s films, they may require some explanation.

Although the characters’ hurt at the loss of a parent, moments of peril, and confusing fantasy environments make this movie too intense for little ones, slightly older audience will appreciate Ben’s touching transformation into a loving and caring big brother. As well, his growing understanding of the deeper feelings of the adults in his life gives this film a power that resonates across cultural boundaries.

The unusual beauty of the animation is a joy to behold, no matter the age of the audience. But the real magic comes from seeing a struggling family start to have empathy for one another and pull together to heal each other’s sorrows.

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Song of the SeaRating & Content Info

Why is Song of the Sea rated PG?Song of the Sea is rated PG by the MPAA for some mild peril, language and pipe smoking images.

Violence:
Sibling rivalry is expressed in pushing and shoving, and some unkind practical jokes. Parental characters are preoccupied and don't listen to children's concerns. Characters are magically turned into stone, carried away by birds, chased by frightening magical creatures, trapped in a small attic, and become lost in fantasy environments. One character's life is in peril from a magical ailment.Sexual Content:
None noted.Language:
Name-calling, mild cursing and terms of deity are used. A brief image of graffiti shows a word resembling a sexual expletive.Alcohol/Drug Use:
A character smokes a pipe. A man drinks in a pub to escape his grief.

Page last updated July 17, 2017

More parents' guide for Song of the Sea after the break...

Song of the Sea Parents' Guide

Talk about the movie with your family…

Throughout much of the film, Ben blames his sister for the problems. Why is this behavior unfair? How can you avoid making similar mistakes in your own life?

Near the beginning of the film, Saoirse is hurt when Ben speaks unkindly to her. Have you ever been wounded by words? Why is it so important that members of a family speak with gentleness to each other? How can you remember to show love and respect in the way you speak to others?

Many characters in the film are dealing with grief, and wish they could remove feelings of hurt and loss from their lives. Have you ever wished you could get rid of unwanted emotions? Why might all emotions, even bad ones, be important? What are some constructive ways to deal with feelings of sadness or loss?

Ben’s character changes from bitter and unhappy to warm and loving over the course of the film. When does he begin to change? What triggers this change in his behavior?

This movie depicts many fantastic creatures from the stories of Irish myth. What stories are told in your culture? What lessons might they teach?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Song of the Sea movie is March 17, 2015. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: Song of the SeaRelease Date: 17 March 2015Song of the Sea releases to home video (Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy) with the following bonus features:
- Audio Commentary with Director Tomm Moore
- Behind the Scenes with Optional Commentary from Director Tomm Moore
- Animation Tests with Optional Commentary from Director Tomm Moore
- The Art of Song of the Sea
- Conceptual & U.S. Trailers